Some classes are hard to judge, but not this one. For the second year, the Volkswagen Golf has emerged as the clear winner.

In spite of having the third-lowest kerbweight of any car in this year’s tests, the Golf feels like a much bigger car when you’re towing.

That’s due partly to the engine, which is more than strong enough to pull an 85% match. The 30-60mph time of 14.7 seconds is the quickest of the lightweight tow cars, and stands comparison with many larger, more powerful models. The engine is quiet and refined, too, even when it’s working hard.

It’s the chassis that really makes the Golf such a good tow car, though. Judges described it as ‘planted’, ‘confidence inspiring’ and showing ‘excellent stability’. Our test car came fitted with Adaptive  Chassis Control, which gives drivers a choice of three different suspension settings for £765. Whichever mode was selected, the Golf never felt sloppy or uncontrolled. Even the sport setting was far from harsh. Al-Ko ATC system data showed the car remained in firm control of the caravan, even when slowing from high speeds.

The practicality judge was happy for the most part, too. Almost every item from our typical holiday luggage load fitted in the boot, where there was also a 12V socket. The towing mirrors were straight-forward to fit. We’d prefer a full-size spare to a space-saver, but it is permissible to use when towing.

Leave the caravan behind and the Golf is a fine all-round family hatchback. It’s entertaining enough to keep the driver happy, roomy enough to keep passengers comfortable and affordable to run. Official combined economy of 58.9mpg will keep fuel bills down, and you can expect to get back 49% of the original price after three years.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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